A Woman’s Place

The old saying, “a woman’s place is in the kitchen” is a well-known, outdated stereotype suggesting that women should focus on being homemakers and raising children instead of working outside of the home. The proverb originated during a time when societal norms restricted women to household duties.

For many, the saying and imagery projecting the home kitchen as a women’s place, is as irritating as nails on a chalkboard. It disregards the many roles and responsibilities women fulfill in society, both within and outside of the home. Just as the screech of nails on a chalkboard is jarring and unpleasant to the ear, so too is the reinforcement of such outdated and limiting beliefs about women’s capabilities and contributions.

Women’s History Month, celebrated annually in March, provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women in various fields, recognize the challenges they have faced and continue to face, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. Let’s take this opportunity to assess the current state of gender equality in the workplace.

By the Numbers
Over the past decades, there has been a significant increase in the participation of women in the labor force in the United States. From 1950 to 2023, women’s representation in the civilian workforce has experienced a remarkable increase, rising from 30% to 47%.

Although the proportion of women in the workforce increased steadily during the latter half of the 20th century, it has since plateaued. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that women will continue to make up slightly less than half of the labor force through 2032.

Money & More 
The disparity in pay between genders has shown little change in the United States over the last two decades. A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed that in 2022, women earned, on average, 82% of what men earned in median hourly wages for both full-time and part-time work. These findings closely mirror the situation in 2002, when women earned 80% as much as men.

The Union Advantage 
Now for some good news! According to the Department of Labor(DOL) women represented by a union make on average 23% more than women without a union. The collective bargaining agreements negotiated by labor unions on behalf of their members often include higher wages, better benefits such as paid leave and improved working conditions. Additionally, unions often advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as protections against discrimination and sexual harassment.

On Balance 
Over the last fifty years, women’s financial contributions among married couples in the United States have steadily increased. Although men continue to be the primary breadwinners in most opposite-sex marriages, the percentage of women earning as much as or more than their husbands has approximately tripled. Currently, in 29% of marriages, both spouses earn similar amounts. Approximately 55% of marriages today have a husband as the primary or sole breadwinner, while 16% have a wife in that role.

Despite facing and continuing to face an uneven playing field, women have continuously pushed boundaries and shattered stereotypes. Their contributions have led to meaningful change and paved a path for a more inclusive workforce for future generations. Explore this edition of The Download for inspiring stories of women who have made a difference!

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]